Prosecutors Will Seek Death Penalty In Judy Malinowski Case

Franklin County’s prosecutor says his office will pursue the death penalty against a Gahanna man convicted of setting his ex-girlfriend on fire nearly two years before she died.

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien says a grand jury on Monday indicted Michael Slager on aggravated murder and murder charges in 33-year-old Judy Malinowski's death. Slager previously was sentenced to 11 years in prison on charges including aggravated arson and felonious assault.

The aggravated murder indictment carries a death penalty specification.

Malinowski was doused in gasoline and set ablaze in August 2015. She died in June of this year.

She inspired Ohio legislation requiring six additional years in prison for crimes that permanently maim or disfigure victims. Her relatives were there as Republican Gov. John Kasich signed "Judy's Law" last month.

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The Senate has unanimously approved a bill called, “Judy’s Law.” It increases penalties and adds times onto sentences if an accelerant is used to intentionally disfigure a victim by setting that person on fire.

The prosecutor involved in the case of the kidnapping, rape and murder of an Ohio State student in February is pleased with the introduction of legislation named for her. But he thinks changes relating to release and monitoring of accused criminals could have happened sooner.

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